Parking spaces pave the way for new American bistro

A local restaurateur has secured enough parking commitments to convince Wellesley's skeptical selectmen and pave the way to a new upscale American bistro in the town's Lower Falls section.

The board approved a license Monday night for local resident Robert Walsh to open a restaurant that he plans to call the Falls Grill.

Last month, the Board delayed a vote on the application, expressing concerns about Walsh’s plan to handle parking entirely through valet parking in the heavily congested area, which currently has two busy restaurants, a pizza parlor, and a Dunkin' Donuts.

Walsh returned this week with commitments from area parking lots to provide 55 parking spaces during the evening hours. He estimated the restaurant would open around the first of the year.

-- Lisa Keen